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In this issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Local Trivia Wednesdays

🌄Bend, OR Weather

📅 What’s Up Central Oregon?

 💖🛍 Love & Local - Makers Market

 🍺🐕2026 K-9 Keg Pull

📰Local News - What’s a Happening?

 🧾 Tax Time Is Here: Free Help Available Across Oregon

 🌋 New High Desert Museum Exhibit Dives Deep into Volcanoes

🎓 Culver Superintendent to Retire After 25 Years of Service

❤️‍🩹 St. Charles Expands Cardiology Team to Meet Growing Heart Care Needs

 🚫 “Bend Oregon Pisser” TikTok Sparks Outrage, Police Investigation Underway

🚒⛑Fire & Rescue News

 🌲 Fatal Crash Near Idanha Claims Life of Sisters Woman

🚨Crime News

  🚨 Prineville Police Arrest Suspect in High-Speed Elude Case

⚖️ Warm Springs Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Abusing Minors

 🚨 Bend Man Sentenced for Striking Yellowstone Worker with Jeep

 🛑 Crook County Man Gets 12½‑Year Prison Term for Child Sex Abuse

🥰Community News

📰Regional News

 🏛️ What Is HB 4125 — and Why Oregon Taxpayers Are Watching It

  🏈 Super Bowl Wagers Heat Up in Oregon with Seahawks in the Big Game

📆City of Bend Calendar of Events

🚧 Road Closures & Construction

🐾🐶🍻Pet of the Week

 🐾 Puppy Love Adoption Party with Street Dog Hero

💖Sponsors

😆Today’s Meme

GOOD MORNING

 BEND

What’s Up Central Oregon? 

FEATURED EVENT

Juniper Preserve's Love & Local Makers Market welcomes everyone to join us for a day of shopping local and sharing the love for the Central Oregon community! Shop for your loved ones or practice some self-love with curated gifts from over 30 vendors in addition to a professional photo booth, flash tattoos from Blade & Ink, chair massages and more from Juniper Spa, and tasty Valentine's mocktails. Plus, the first 15 guests will receive a FREE goodie bag. Mark your calendars now, you won't want to miss this love affair! 

2026 K-9 Keg Pull

Saturday February 7th

11:00am – 3:00pm

The 2026 K9 Keg Pull Sponsored by Sunriver Brewing Co. is back as the premier winter event for the Village at Sunriver!    K9 Keg Pull Sponsored by Sunriver Brewing Co. entry fee is $25.00 per dog. All proceeds from the Keg Pull will benefit the Ronald McDonald House. We welcome all to enjoy the event with or without a dog. Dog related vendors will be on site as will Bend VW Photo Bus for commemorative photobooth photo strips! Pre- registration will guarantee your dog a spot in the race, along with a $5 discount if you register by January 1st – So REGISTER NOW! Participants and spectators are encouraged to donate dog food and enter to win some great prizes. The dog food will be donated to the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

New Events Calendar - Check it out! 👇

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Local News…

 🧾 Tax Time Is Here: Free Help Available Across Oregon

The 2026 tax season is officially underway, with the deadline to file 2025 returns set for Wednesday, April 15. Even if you don’t normally file — or don’t have a Social Security number — you could still get money back, including your share of Oregon’s $1.4 billion kicker refund. Eligible filers may also benefit from credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, especially if they have young children or low income.

Free tax help is available in Central Oregon and beyond through trusted community organizations like the Latino Community Association (Bend, Redmond) and Oregon State University (Bend, Corvallis). These groups, funded by the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program, offer culturally specific assistance in multiple languages. Help is offered through October 15, with virtual options for rural areas. More info: ODHS Tax Help Program

 🎿 Hoodoo Ski Area to Close Wednesday for Snow Assessment

SISTERS, Ore. — Hoodoo Ski Area announced it will close for an “assessment day” on Wednesday, February 4, as resort crews evaluate snow conditions and prepare the slopes amid a thin early‑season snowpack. Forecasts calling for warmer temperatures and limited snowfall prompted the temporary closure while staff shovel and survey the hill to determine when operations can resume.

Officials say they’re optimistic the effort will pay off and hope to open Thursday through Sunday with regular hours (Thursday‑Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.). Tickets for Wednesday can be refunded or transferred, and special deals like the “Onesie Wednesday” discount will still be honored later in the week.

 🌋 New High Desert Museum Exhibit Dives Deep into Volcanoes

BEND, Ore. — The High Desert Museum’s next major exhibition, Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, opens February 7, 2026, and promises an immersive journey into the science, history, and cultural significance of volcanoes in the High Desert and beyond. Running through January 3, 2027, the exhibit explores the powerful forces shaping our region—from the infamous 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens to the quiet giants that define Oregon’s landscape.

Visitors will experience hands-on displays, volcanic rock samples, interactive maps, and in-depth volcano “biographies” to understand these geologic titans. The exhibition highlights Indigenous perspectives, scientific advances in volcano monitoring, and how communities live with—and are shaped by—volcanoes. Included with museum admission (free for Tribal members and military families), Under Pressure is housed in the Spirit of the West Gallery. More info: highdesertmuseum.org

🎓 Culver Superintendent to Retire After 25 Years of Service

CULVER, Ore. — Culver School District Superintendent Stefanie Garber has announced her plan to retire effective June 30, 2026, after 25 years of service to the district. In a heartfelt message, Garber thanked students, families, and staff, calling her time at CSD “an incredible journey” and praising the community as the heart of the district.

The school board expressed deep gratitude for Garber’s leadership and legacy, noting that she will stay on through the end of the school year in a transitional role to help prepare for new leadership. A search firm is expected to be selected in early February, with the goal of naming a new superintendent to begin July 1, 2026. The announcement follows confirmation of a recent third-party investigation within the district; however, officials have not disclosed any details, citing confidentiality.

❤️‍🩹 St. Charles Expands Cardiology Team to Meet Growing Heart Care Needs

The St. Charles Health System is significantly strengthening its cardiology services with a major expansion of specialists — part of a broader effort to keep more heart care close to home for Central Oregonians. The system has added seven cardiologists in 2025 and is adding nine more in 2026, bringing the cardiac team to 63 providers by the end of the year. These new doctors bring advanced expertise in areas like women’s heart health, cardio‑obstetrics, sports cardiology, advanced imaging, prevention and more, helping patients access a wider range of personalized care locally. (stcharleshealthcare.org)

Cardiology leaders say the expansion responds to strong demand from community members who want comprehensive care without leaving the region. The new specialists will see patients in both clinic and hospital settings, offering broader cardiac services and improving access for new and ongoing patients. For appointments and more information, visit the St. Charles website or call 541‑388‑4333. (stcharleshealthcare.org)

🚫 “Bend Oregon Pisser” TikTok Sparks Outrage, Police Investigation Underway

BEND, Ore. — A disturbing TikTok account titled “Bend Oregon Pisser” is drawing attention for posting videos of someone urinating in inappropriate public places — including inside local businesses, schools, and even on rental bikes. One of the most upsetting clips shows someone urinating on cleaning supplies inside the restroom at Americana, a popular downtown burger spot.

Chef Chris Allison said they initially assumed the bathroom mess was accidental — until someone sent them the video. “For me, it made me more angry than it probably should have,” Allison said, noting this is the second similar incident and likely the same individual. Other videos allegedly show similar behavior near Bend High School, Summit High, inside elevators, and on a rentable Veo e-bike.

Bend-La Pine Schools confirmed one urination video was filmed by the Summit High sign at night but said no actionable evidence was found. Americana reported the incident to police, and Bend PD has confirmed they are investigating. Allison added, “I just want the senseless pissing to end.”

Fire & Rescue… 

🌲 Fatal Crash Near Idanha Claims Life of Sisters Woman

LINN COUNTY, Ore. — A tragic crash on Highway 22 near Idanha on Sunday, February 1, claimed the life of 53-year-old Kellie Jay Scholl of Sisters. Oregon State Police say the crash happened around 11 a.m. when a blue Hyundai IONIQ, driven by 55-year-old Curtiss Joseph Scholl, attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control, striking a tree.

Kellie Scholl was pronounced dead at the scene. Curtiss Scholl was extricated from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. The highway was closed for roughly four hours during the investigation. OSP was assisted at the scene by Detroit/Idanha Fire, Lyons and Stayton Ambulance, and ODOT.

Crime News…

 🚨 Prineville Police Arrest Suspect in High-Speed Elude Case

PRINEVILLE, Ore. — A 20-year-old Prineville man was arrested Saturday morning in connection with a police pursuit that occurred in the early hours of January 31. Kaleb Goozee was taken into custody by Prineville Police around 9:30 a.m. on February 1 and lodged at the Crook County Jail.

Goozee faces multiple charges, including Attempting to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, three counts each of Reckless Endangering, Criminal Mischief, and Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver. Police credited community tips and assistance from the Crook County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police in helping bring the case to a close.

⚖️ Warm Springs Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Abusing Minors

PORTLAND, Ore. — Harold Charley, 39, of Warm Springs was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two minors on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The abuse, which took place over several weeks in early 2024, involved victims between the ages of 12 and 16. Charley is a prior sex offender.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Warm Springs Police Department, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of Project Safe Childhood—a national effort to combat child exploitation and abuse.

🚨 Bend Man Sentenced for Striking Yellowstone Worker with Jeep

BEND, Ore. — A Bend man has reported to federal prison after being convicted of assaulting a Yellowstone National Park employee with his Jeep during a 2024 traffic dispute. David Regnier, 68, was sentenced to two years behind bars and a $10,000 fine for assaulting a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.

The incident occurred near Canyon Junction in Yellowstone, where two park employees were directing traffic during road construction. Prosecutors say Regnier, trying to bypass congestion, ignored directions and accelerated into one of the workers. Regnier disputes the verdict, citing a panic reaction to new blood pressure medication, and claims key medical evidence was barred from trial. He is appealing the case and says he’s seeking a presidential pardon.

🛑 Crook County Man Gets 12½‑Year Prison Term for Child Sex Abuse

A Crook County man was sentenced to the statutory maximum after being convicted of sexually abusing a pre‑teen child. Clinton James Dunne, 56, received a 150‑month sentence in the Oregon Department of Corrections following a jury verdict on two counts of first‑degree sexual abuse involving a victim who was 11–12 years old, and will serve 10 years of post‑prison supervision with mandatory sex‑offender registration.

At sentencing, the court cited the predatory nature of the offense and Dunne’s lack of remorse. Crook County District Attorney Kari Hathorn acknowledged the courage of the victim in coming forward and praised the thorough work of the Prineville Police Department, the KIDS Center, the Oregon Crime Victim’s Law Center, and the Crook County Victim Assistance Program in supporting the investigation and victim throughout the process.

Community News…

 Regional News…

🏛️ What Is HB 4125 — and Why Oregon Taxpayers Are Watching It

A bill moving through the Oregon House of Representatives today could quietly change how — and how often — Oregonians receive the state’s famous “kicker” refund.

House Bill 4125 (HB 4125) doesn’t eliminate the kicker. Instead, it focuses on how Oregon predicts future tax revenue and what happens to extra money when the state collects more than expected.

How the kicker works now

Oregon issues a kicker refund when actual tax collections exceed state forecasts by more than 2% over a two-year budget cycle. When that happens, the excess money is returned to taxpayers as a credit on their tax returns.

What HB 4125 would change

HB 4125 would require the state to use more conservative revenue forecasts — essentially estimating future tax collections on the lower end of expected ranges. That makes it less likely the state will exceed projections by enough to trigger the kicker in future years.

The bill would also create a new One-Time Emergencies and Finance Fund, allowing surplus money to be directed toward things like:

• Paying down public pension (PERS) liabilities

• Funding capital projects

• Covering state debt payments

• Responding to emergencies like wildfires or natural disasters

What this means for taxpayers

If HB 4125 passes, future kicker refunds could become smaller, less frequent, or harder to trigger, even though the kicker itself remains in the Oregon Constitution. Supporters argue this would bring more stability to state budgeting, while critics say it reduces taxpayer refunds without a direct vote of the people.

One important note

HB 4125 does not affect the current kicker Oregonians expect to receive on upcoming tax returns. The changes would apply to future revenue forecasts, starting in 2027.

The bill is still in the early stages and can be amended, delayed, or rejected as it moves through the legislative process.

Public Testimony was blocked until yesterday. By legislative rules there is a 3 day period that is to be given to the public to submit testimony. Today is the deadline to do so - 2.04.26 by 3pm. Go HERE to submit testimony, you can also email or call your representative - whether you are for this or against it.

🏈 Super Bowl Wagers Heat Up in Oregon with Seahawks in the Big Game

SALEM, Ore. — With the Seattle Seahawks heading to the Super Bowl to face off against the New England Patriots, excitement is soaring across the Northwest—and so are the bets. Oregon Lottery’s DraftKings Sportsbook is now offering over 1,000 prop bets for the big game, ranging from who wins the coin toss to the color of the Gatorade shower. New this year: you can even bet on whether the coin toss winner will defer or receive.

Oregonians placed a record-breaking 456,000 bets during last year’s Super Bowl, and officials expect even more action this year with a “local” team in the mix. Sports wagers in Oregon are available to those 21 and older. The Oregon Lottery encourages responsible gaming and offers tools like My Stats and My Budget Builder in the DraftKings app. Learn more or place a bet at oregonlottery.org/sports.

City of Bend Events Here

Road Construction

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🐾 Puppy Love Adoption Party with Street Dog Hero

🗓 Saturday, February 7, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍River’s Place - 787 NE Purcell, Bend, OR 97701

Looking for love this February? You just might find it on four paws! 🐾🐾 Street Dog Hero invites you to a heartwarming afternoon full of wagging tails, joyful play, and the chance to meet some seriously adorable pups in need of forever homes. Whether you're ready to adopt or just want to soak up the good vibes and puppy energy, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend your Saturday.

Expect raffle prizes, fun games with the dogs, local vendors, and plenty of cuddles with adoptable rescue dogs. Street Dog Hero's passionate team will be on-site to answer questions about the adoption process and introduce you to some of the amazing dogs they've rescued and rehabilitated.

Come show your support, meet your next furry family member, or just enjoy a feel-good day surrounded by puppy kisses and community spirit. You won’t want to miss it!

For more about Street Dog Hero and the dogs available for adoption, visit www.streetdoghero.org.

 😎Just sayin

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